'Exceptional' Cutler expected to sit out preseason finale

With a seal of approval from offensive coordinator Mike Martz, Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is not expected to play in Thursday night's preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns.

Cutler is 26-of-43 for 341 yards, no touchdowns and one interception for a 75.8 passer rating in three preseason games. But the Bears are happy with the progress he's made in the previous two games. Cutler was 12-of-21 for 171 yards, no touchdowns, no interceptions and an 83.6 passer rating against the New York Giants; and he was 13-of-21 for 170 yards, no touchdowns and one interception and a 67.6 rating against the Tennessee Titans on Monday night.

A cynic might say that's a low standard -- 24 starting quarterbacks had better passer ratings than Cutler in their third preseason game, for what that's worth. But progress is progress.

"He's playing very, very well right now," Martz said. "His last two games were exceptional games. So I'm very pleased with where he is.

"The [offensive] line has made terrific progress. So we're happy. If we felt like he needed the work, certainly we would [play him against the Browns]. But at this poing, I don't see the need, and I've talked to Love about that."

Cutler said he was satisfied with the chemistry with his receivers at this point of the preseason.

"We're getting better and better and we still have some time before Atlanta [on Sept. 11]," Cutler said. "I think we'll be ready."